British Library Integrated Catalogue
Most of the map collections are searchable online via the
Integrated Catalogue.
Those searching for Map Library materials should select "Catalogue
Subset Search" from the blue bar of the initial search screen,
and then choose "Cartographic" from the list. A Basic
Search allows a number of keyword searches (title, publisher, subject),
as well as searching by Shelfmark (format: "maps27b5"
for Maps 27.b.5). An Advanced Search allows one to combine field
searches, as well as search by Scale (format: "50000"
for 1:50,000). However users are advised that because of the differing
standards of cataloguing the most basic searches are advisable,
at least as a first step. Users should also note that not all maps
are individually catalogued: i.e. not all maps in antiquarian atlases
are listed and ephemeral town plans are only listed by country.
Maps in non-Roman scripts are only occasionally catalogued electronically.
To search for manuscript maps, you may consult the Manuscripts
Catalogue online.
COPAC Online Catalogue
The maps catalogue is also available online through the Consortium
of Online Public Access Catalogues (www.copac.ac.uk),
a union catalogue of most major research libraries in the UK which
allows searching across many catalogues at once.
Select "Map Search" for cartographic materials, a mechanism
that allows searching by location, scale, and other keywords.
* If you cannot find what you are looking for, search the full
database via Subject search (eg. Hydrology) or Author/Title search,
as not all records are correctly identified as maps.
The file is updated monthly. If you have any problems or suggestions,
please email us at maps@bl.uk.
